Rail passengers using the flagship South Wales to London train service were today promised improved punctuality if National Express won the new Greater Western franchise.

That was the message from the company's managing director designate for the franchise Peter Cotton as National Express submitted its final bid to the rail authorities.

National Express is competing with First Group, which currently runs the South Wales-London service, and Stagecoach to operate the combined Great Western, Great Western Link and Wessex services. A decision is expected from the Strategic Rail Authority just before Christmas.